Hundreds turned out for an emotionally charged vigil for Michael McGibbon tonight to hear his heartbroken wife declare: They can't be allowed to beat us.

In a powerful message to the thugs who shot her husband just yards from the gathering at Holy Cross Church, Joanne McGibbon was applauded as she said the Ardoyne community must "stay strong and stick together".

Holding a candle and flanked by her daughter Seána, who held a picture of her father Michael, and Ardoyne priest Fr Gary Donegan, Joanne said she was pleased so many had chosen to stand with her family at this difficult time.

Speaking after the vigil, she told how " these men of violence have taken away my husband's life", but "they aren't going to stop my faith".

She added: "We're just surrounded by so many people. With our strength and the strength of the community we can beat these people who want to create evil."

Members of the public at a vigil in the grounds of Holy Cross Church

The determined mum, who is a nurse, also revealed how she "tried so hard" to save Michael after she rushed to the alleyway where he was shot.

She said that as she battled to save him "I was just looking at him and thinking 'Michael don't let them take you away'.

She said she begged him to hold on for their four children, but realised he was slipping away.

She said: "When my husband was going, I just said to him 'be happy, where he is be happy'."

The hundreds who attended the vigil, earlier heard Fr Gary tell how the community will stand together with Joanne McGibbon and her family.

He added: "This little family that are present here send out the strongest of messages to those dark forces who took Michael's life. We are a people of light.

"Guided by Christ our light, I say to you, your actions any of the convictions or integrity of the good people of Ardoyne."

He went on: "This young widow showed more courage, conviction, compassion and mercy than you will ever know."

Meanwhile, the nightly march by protesters at the nearby Twaddell camp was called off to allow the vigil to go ahead unhindered.